Letter to the Editor

Comment

Cheboygan Daily Tribune - Cheboygan, MI

Writer

Posted Dec. 31, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Posted Dec. 31, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Racetrack should be moved Several questions arose when I read the latest article about the public hearing regarding Mr. Hall's proposed motocross racetrack on his residential property in Indian River. Mr. Hall states that more people live within a mile of a motocross track in his current hometown, Lake Elsinora, CA, than the population of Cheboygan County. His statement appears to denote a peaceful co-existence between the racetrack operators and the local homeowners when, in fact, the opposite is true. According to local news sources, there was a decade-long running dispute between the racetrack owners and local authorities which evolved into a lawsuit filed against the city. Additionally, in the article, Hall refuses to consider a land-swap proposal between his Griswold Mountain site and a more suitable location south of Indian River. His reason: Griswold Mountain "has a great view, and beyond that, it's emotional to me." How can he fail to consider the emotional attachment that hundreds of other Indian River residents have to the quiet enjoyment of their property, which would be severely impacted by the noise of a motocross racetrack close to their homes? He claims to have spent millions of dollars on a project that requires zoning changes and the approval of local officials, which is insulting to citizens who abide by local rules and regulations. Reality will eventually prevail in this controversy. Mr. Hall can demonstrate his loyalty to Indian River by listening to others who also love northern lower Michigan, but who do not share his highly specific and limiting vision — one that would require a broad, collective change in identity for hundreds of people who reside within ear shot of Hall's property at Griswold Mountain. Relocating the planned development to an area south of Indian River is more realistic and feasible. Sue Devick Grandview Beach resident